Apparatus For Converting Motion

ABSTRACT

An assembly for converting motion comprises a first arm and a second arm rotatable about first and second fixed pivots; a third arm pivotably connected to the second arm; a first connecting arm pivotably connected to and extending between the first arm and the third arm; a second connecting arm pivotably connected to and extending between the first arm and the second arm; and a locking assembly comprising a first locking member and a second locking member, the first locking member connected to one of the arms and engaging with the second locking member at one or more positions from the retracted position to the extended position. The assembly may comprise a guide assembly comprising a guide member and an engagement member moveably engageable with the guide member.

The present invention relates to an apparatus for converting motion. Inone aspect, the apparatus may be used to producing a straight linemotion, in particular an apparatus for producing motion of a componentin a straight line generated by the rotational movement of a secondcomponent or the motion of the second component about a pivot. In afurther aspect, the apparatus may be used to both displace and rotate afirst component with respect to a second component.

Mechanisms for converting motion, in particular producing a straightline motion from a rotational motion are known in the art. Such straightline mechanisms may be characterised by comprising a first memberrotatable about an axis passing through the member and a second memberlinked to or associated with the first member, the arrangement beingsuch that rotational movement of the first member about the axis resultsin a straight line movement of the second member.

Examples of early mechanisms for producing a straight line motioninclude the straight line mechanism design by James Watt, comprising aseries of three levers in end-to-end configuration, with movement of thetwo end levers about pivots at their free ends causing the middle leverto follow a close approximation to a straight line over a portion of itsmovement. A related linkage comprising three levers, with the middlelever constrained to follow a straight line was proposed by Tchebicheff.The Peaucellier-Lipkin inversor consists of an arrangement of sevenlevers and provides a conversion of circular motion into linear motionand vice versa. A related four-lever mechanism was proposed by Hart. Alinear converter, known as the half beam mechanism, in which a firstlinear motion is converted to a second linear motion perpendicular tothe first, was designed by Scott Russell.

An analysis of a variety of multi-lever, straight line linkages isprovided by Dijksman, E. A. ‘Advances in Robot Kinematics andComputationed Geometry’, pages 411 to 420, [1994] Kluwer AcademicPublishers.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,248,103 discloses a straight line mechanism, inparticular a mechanism of the so-called ‘conchoid’ type. There isdisclosed a linkage mechanism for an industrial manipulator comprisingat least two of the said straight line mechanisms.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,400,985 concerns a straight line link mechanism,comprising a plurality of pivotally connected links. The links areconnected between a support and a controlled member. As one of the linksis moved in a 360° arc, the controlled member alternately moves in afirst direction along a linear path and thereafter in the oppositedirection along a curved path. The weight of the controlled member maybe balanced by the use of a counter weight, to provide a liftingmechanism. A cam may be employed to control the motion of the controlledmember.

More recently, U.S. Pat. No. 4,747,353 discloses a straight line motionmechanism formed from a pair linkage mechanisms arranged in aparallelogram in combination with a motion control means. The motioncontrol means interconnects the two linkage mechanisms and provide auniform angular displacement of each linkage mechanism.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,102,290 concerns a transfer device for transferring aworkpiece from a first location to a second location. The workpiece ismoved in a trochoidal arc by means of a pickup arm mounted to roll alonga flat surface.

A straight line mechanism is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,237,887. Themechanism comprises a static base and a platform supported by first andsecond arm assemblies. Each of the first and second arm assembliescomprises portions pivotally connected to the static base. Thearrangement of the pivoted arm portions of each arm assembly is suchthat the platform is constrained to move in a straight line, as theportions of the arms move about their respective pivot connections.

Still more recently, WO 97/33725 discloses a device for the relativemovement of two elements. The device comprises at least two first linksconnected to a first element by a hinged connection so as to form afour-hinge system and pivot in a plane parallel to the plane of thefirst element. At least two second links are connected to the secondelement so as to form a four-hinge system and to pivot in a planeparallel to the plane of the second element. The two four-hinge systemsprovided by the first and second links are coupled in series to allowrelative motion of the first and second elements.

WO 99/14018 discloses a device for the relative movement of twoelements. The device comprises at least two link devices coupled betweenthe elements, each comprising two mutually articulated link units. Afirst link unit is connected to first, moveable element. The second ofthe link units is connected to the second, static element. Power appliedto the link units causes the first element to move relative to thesecond.

A mechanical linkage is described and shown in U.S. Pat. No. 2,506,151.The linkage comprises a plurality of interconnected levers. The linkageprovides for movement of one member with respect to a fixed member. Thelinkage is specifically described and shown for use in providingmovement for components of a chair, in particular to allow for movementof the seat of the chair in a rearwardly-downwardly andforwardly-upwardly direction. The linkage is indicated in U.S. Pat. No.2,506,151 to provide for movement of the moveable member in a straightpath with respect to the fixed member.

There is a need for an improved assembly for providing a straight linemotion, in particular for providing an element moveable in a straightline in response to a rotational motion. It would be most advantageousif the assembly could be arranged in a compact form, thereby occupyingonly a small volume of space.

GB 2514175 discloses an apparatus for converting motion and a buildingassembly comprising the same.

An expandable building assembly comprising a rotating roof portion,operated by way of an assembly for converting motion, is disclosed in GB2505676.

WO 2013/182834 discloses an assembly for converting motion. The assemblycomprises a plurality of arms, in particular a first arm rotatable at afirst position thereon about a first fixed pivot; a second arm rotatableat a first position thereon about a second fixed pivot, the second fixedpivot spaced apart from the first fixed pivot; a third arm pivotablyconnected at a first position thereon to the second arm at a secondposition on the second arm, the second position spaced apart from thefirst position on the second arm; a first connecting arm extendingbetween the first arm and the third arm, the first connecting armpivotably connected to a second position on the first arm spaced apartfrom the first position and pivotably connected to the third arm at asecond position thereon spaced apart from the first position thereon;and a second connecting arm extending between the first arm and thesecond arm, the second connecting arm pivotably connected to a thirdposition on the first arm disposed between the first and secondpositions thereon and pivotably connected to a third position on thesecond arm at a third position thereon. The assembly finds use in arange of applications, for example supporting and moving components of abuilding. In one embodiment described and shown in WO 2013/182834, theassembly is employed in deploying a solar panel array.

A modification to the assembly of WO 2013/182834 has now been found.This new assembly is also for converting a rotary motion into a straightline motion and relies upon an assembly of levers or arms having pivotedconnections therebetween. However, the new assembly provides increasedrigidity and stability of the assembly of WO 2013/182834, in turnincreasing the range of uses of the assembly, thereby significantlyincreasing the utility of the earlier assembly.

According to the present invention, there is provided in a first aspectan assembly for converting motion, the assembly moveable between aretracted position and an extended position, the assembly comprising:

-   -   a first arm rotatable at a first position thereon about a first        fixed pivot;    -   a second arm rotatable at a first position thereon about a        second fixed pivot, the second fixed pivot spaced apart from the        first fixed pivot;    -   a third arm pivotably connected at a first position thereon to        the second arm at a second position on the second arm, the        second position spaced apart from the first position on the        second arm;    -   a first connecting arm extending between the first arm and the        third arm, the first connecting arm pivotably connected to a        second position on the first arm spaced apart from the first        position and pivotably connected to the third arm at a second        position thereon spaced apart from the first position thereon;        and    -   a second connecting arm extending between the first arm and the        second arm, the second connecting arm pivotably connected to a        third position on the first arm disposed between the first and        second positions thereon and pivotably connected to a third        position on the second arm;    -   the assembly further comprising a locking assembly comprising a        first locking member and a second locking member, the first        locking member connected to one of the first, second or third        arms or one of the first or second connecting arms and engaging        with the second locking member at one or more positions from the        retracted position to the extended position.

It has been found that the assembly of WO 2013/182834 can be improved byproviding a locking assembly, by which one or more of the arms of theassembly may be locked at one or more positions from the retractedposition to the extended position. In particular, it has been found thatthe strength of the assembly in a position in which it is locked isgreatly increased by the use of the locking assembly. More particularly,it has been found that the load bearing capacity of the assembly issignificantly increased by the presence of the locking assembly,compared with when the locking assembly is not present, as is the casewith the specific assembly disclosed in WO 2013/182834. This isparticularly the case where the locking assembly is disposed such thatthe extent to the which the assembly is triangulated when locked isincreased.

In operation of the assembly, the first arm rotates about the firstfixed pivot, the second arm rotates about the second fixed pivot and thethird arm moves. In particular, in use of the assembly the third arm iscaused to move such that a point on the third arm (herein referred to as‘the said point’) spaced from the first position on the third arm andlocated such that the second position on the third arm lies between thesaid point and the first position moves in a straight line. Thus,rotational motion of the first arm and the second arm about theirrespective fixed pivots results in a straight line motion of the saidpoint on the third arm. In this respect, it is to be noted that the saidpoint on the third arm referred to traces a line that is substantiallystraight, that is represents a very close approximation to a straightline. In particular, the path followed by the said point may becharacterised as being a very flat sine wave, that is a sine wave ofhigh wavelength and very low amplitude.

The assembly of the present invention provides a number of significantadvantages, in particular compared with the linkages and mechanisms ofthe prior art, such as those discussed above. First, in preferredembodiments of the assembly, the said point on the third arm moves in asubstantially straight line extending perpendicular to the line joiningthe first and second fixed pivots. This is a particularly advantageousarrangement, for example when employing the assembly in a building toprovide movement of one portion of the building with respect to another,such as moving a portion of the building laterally from a fixed buildingstructure.

Second, the assembly of the present invention may be arranged such thatthe arms of the assembly are accommodated one within the other in a verycompact configuration, for example all lying between the first andsecond fixed pivots. This compactness is a significant advantage of theassembly of this invention.

Further, the said point on the third arm may be arranged to always bethe forwardmost point of the assembly in the direction of motion of thesaid point. This arrangement provides significant advantages over knownassemblies, where the point moving in a straight line is containedwithin or otherwise surrounded by other components of the assembly.

The point on the third arm referred to above is spaced from the firstposition on the third arm, with the second position on the third armlying between the said point and the first position. The location of thesaid point will depend upon the length of the arms of the device and thepositions of their interconnections. In one preferred embodiment, thesaid point is arranged to be at a distal location on the third arm, thatis distal from the first, second and third positions on the third arm,for example with the said point being located at the free end of thethird arm or in an end portion at the free end of the arm.

The extent of the straight line motion of the said point on the thirdarm varies according the precise positioning of the connections betweenthe arms. For example, in one embodiment, it has been found that thisclose approximation to a straight line motion by the said point on thethird arm occurs over a distance that is up to 85% of the distancebetween the first and second fixed pivots. Further embodiments providemotion of the said point on the third arm that follows a closeapproximation to a straight line for a distance up to or exceeding 100%of the distance between the first and second fixed pivots. Referencesherein to a motion of the said point on the third arm in a ‘straightline’ are references to this movement.

As noted, the said point on the third arm moves in a pattern that is aclose approximation to a straight line. The deviation of the movement ofthe said point from a straight line may be exemplified by the following:

In an embodiment of the assembly in which the distance between the firstfixed pivot and the second fixed pivot is 3250 mm, the said point on thethird arm describes an approximate straight line of 2750 mm in length.In particular, the said point moves between a first or retractedposition and a second or extended position. In this respect, referencesto motion of the said point are with respect to the line joining thefirst and second fixed pivots, with the retracted position being at orclose to the line joining the first and second fixed pivots and theretracted position being distant therefrom. As noted, the said point onthe third arm moves between the retracted position and the extendedposition, with the line joining the retracted and extended positionsbeing a straight line perpendicular to the line extending between thefirst and second pivots. However, in moving between the retracted andextended positions, the said point follows a sine wave having a maximumdeviation from the straight line of 8 mm. This deviation represents adeviation of just 0.25% of the distance travelled by the said pointbetween the retracted and extended positions and is generallyinsignificant in the context of most if not all practical applicationsof the assembly.

In another embodiment of the assembly in which the distance between thefirst fixed pivot and the second fixed pivot is 3250 mm, the said pointon the third arm describes an approximate straight line of 3254 mm inlength. In this embodiment, the deviation of the said point moves in asine wave having a maximum deviation from a straight line of just 31.4mm, that is just 0.96% of the distance travelled by the said point.

The arrangement of the assembly of the present invention may be varieddepending upon the requirements. For example, the assembly may bearranged to provide a longer straight line movement of the said point onthe third arm with a slightly greater deviation from a straight line.Alternatively, the assembly may be arranged to provide a shorterstraight line movement of the said point, with the path traced by thesaid point being a closer approximation to a straight line with lessdeviation.

When moving between the retracted and the extended positions, the saidpoint on the third arm follows a substantially straight line. Otherpoints on the third arm follow a respective arc.

It has been found that the aforementioned assembly provides a number ofsignificant advantages. First, the point of the assembly that traces astraight line moves away from the mechanism, that is leads the mechanismin the direction of motion of the said point. As noted, the assembly maybe considered to be movable from a retracted position to an extendedposition, with a point on the third arm moving in a straight linebetween the retracted and extended positions. The point on the third armmoves in a straight line away from the retracted position to theextended position. In particular, the assembly is such that, inoperation, a point on the third arm traces a straight line that extendsaway from the first and second fixed pivot points, in particular fromthe line joining the first and second pivot points.

More particularly, in many embodiments, the straight line path followedby the said point on the third arm extends perpendicular to the linejoining the first and second pivot points. This is an advantage overassemblies of the prior art and allows the assembly of the presentinvention to be more versatile and have a wider range of applications.In particular, it allows the assembly to be placed or mounted on a planeand to have all motion of the components confined to one side of theplane. Thus, for example, the assembly may be used on an exteriorsurface of a construction, such as a building or the like, and allcomponents move from the retracted to the extended positions on theexterior, without encroaching on or requiring space on the interior sideof the plane.

Further, the arms of the assembly may be constructed such that the armsmay be accommodated one within another. The components of the assemblymay be arranged such that, when in the retracted position, the third armand first and second connecting arms are accommodated within or adjacentthe first and second arms, thereby providing for a particularly compactassembly when in the retracted position.

The assembly has been defined hereinbefore by reference to a pluralityof arms. It is to be understood that the term ‘arm’ is used as a generalreference to any component that may be connected as hereinbeforedescribed and/or moved about a fixed pivot. Accordingly, the term ‘arm’is to be understood as being a reference to any such component,regardless of shape or configuration.

As noted above, the assembly of the present invention provides a motionof the said point on the third arm that follows a straight line over aspecific extent of its movement. The close approximation of the movementof the said point on the third arm to a straight line between theretracted and extended positions makes the assembly of the presentinvention particularly useful as a straight line converter, that is ableto convert a rotational movement of the first and/or second arms aboutthe first and second fixed pivots respectively, into a straight linemotion of the said point on the third arm. However, the operation of theassembly is not limited to this extent of movement of the third arm.Rather, continued movement of the assembly beyond the extended positionto a super-extended position causes the third arm to move to a positionthat is perpendicular to and displaced from the line joining the firstand second fixed pivots. This movement of the third arm away from theline joining the first and second fixed pivots with simultaneousrotation of the third arm, once beyond the extended position, is alsoparticularly useful, for example in deploying items connected to thethird arm away from the line joining the first and second fixed pivots.Indeed, it has been found that the third arm may be moved to a positionin which it extends at any desired angle to the line joining the firstand second pivots, in particular up to and including perpendicular tothe line. This is a further advantageous aspect of the assembly of thepresent invention, in particular compared with assemblies of the priorart, which have only limited movement of the components.

As noted, operation of the assembly results in motion of the third arm.It is to be understood that the assembly may be used to convert arotational motion of the first or second arms about the first or secondfixed pivots into a motion of the said point on the third arm, that isby having drive to the assembly provided at the first or second arms.Alternatively, the assembly may be used to convert a motion of the thirdarm into a rotational motion of the first and second arms, that is byhaving drive to the assembly applied at the third arm.

As noted above, the assembly of the present invention is mounted tofixed pivots. In particular, the first and second arms are mounted forrotation about respective first and second fixed pivots. The first andsecond fixed pivots are points at which the assembly is mounted to asupporting structure. For example, the supporting structure may comprisea frame or other arrangement of support members having the first andsecond fixed pivots thereon. In other embodiments, the assembly ismounted to a fixed structure, for example a building, with the first andsecond fixed pivots being provided thereon.

As noted above, the assembly moves in a plane containing the first andsecond fixed pivots. The first and second fixed pivots may each bearranged on the fixed structure or supporting structure at a suitableposition to provide the movement of the assembly in the requireddirection and in the required plane. The assembly may be arranged tomove in any plane. For example, the first and second fixed pivots may bearranged to have the assembly move in a vertical plane. Similarly, thefixed pivots may be arranged to provide movement of the third arm in therequired direction, in particular movement of the said point on thethird arm. In many embodiments, the said point on the third arm movessubstantially horizontally or substantially vertically. For example, formoving many components or structure, the said point on the third armmoves horizontally away from or towards the line joining the first andsecond fixed pivots.

In one preferred arrangement finding many applications, the first andsecond fixed pivots are arranged on a substantially vertical line. Inthis case, the assembly moves in a substantially vertical plane. Also,in this case, the said point on the third arm moves horizontally.

The first fixed pivot may be arranged to be higher or lower than thesecond fixed pivot. Alternatively, the fixed pivots may be arranged tobe at the same height. For example, with the first and second fixedpivots arranged on a substantially vertical line, the first fixed pivotmay be above the second fixed or vice versa.

The assembly of the present invention comprises a first arm. The firstarm may have any shape and configuration. A preferred form for the firstarm is an elongate member, for example a bar or a rod. The first arm ispivotably mounted at a first position on the arm to a first fixed pivot.The pivotable connection at the first position may be of any suitableform, preferably a pin, spindle or axle passing through the arm aboutwhich the arm is free to move. The first position may be in any suitablelocation on the arm. In one preferred embodiment, the first position isat or adjacent one end of the arm.

The first arm may function as a driving arm for the assembly, that ishave a force applied thereto so as to rotate the arm about the fixedpivot at the first position on the arm, thereby transferring drive tothe other components of the assembly. Alternatively, the first arm maybe a driven arm of the assembly, that is move about the fixed pivotunder the action of the other components of the assembly.

The first position on the first arm may be at any suitable locationthereon. In one preferred embodiment, the first position is at oradjacent the first end of the first arm.

The assembly further comprises a second arm. The second arm may have anyshape and configuration. A preferred form for the second arm is anelongate member, for example a bar or a rod. The second arm is pivotablymounted at a first position on the second arm to a second fixed pivot.The pivotable connection at the first position may be of any suitableform, preferably a pin, spindle or axle passing through the arm aboutwhich the arm is free to move. The first position may be in any suitablelocation on the second arm. In one preferred embodiment, the firstposition is at or adjacent one end of the second arm.

The second arm is moved about the second fixed pivot under the action ofeither movement of the first arm or the third arm.

The second arm may function as a driving arm for the assembly, that ishave a force applied thereto so as to rotate the arm about the fixedpivot at the first position on the arm, thereby transferring drive tothe other components of the assembly. Alternatively, the second arm maybe a driven arm of the assembly, that is move about the fixed pivotunder the action of the other components of the assembly. The assemblyof the present invention is particularly advantageous when the secondarm operates as a driving arm.

The assembly further comprises a third arm. The third arm may have anyshape and configuration. A preferred form for the third arm is anelongate member, for example a bar or a rod. The third arm is pivotablymounted at a first position on the third arm to the second arm. Thepivotable connection between the second and third arms may be of anysuitable form, preferably a pin, spindle or axle passing through thearms about which one or both of the arms are free to move.

The third arm is pivotably connected to the second arm at a firstposition on the third arm and a second position on the second arm. Thefirst position may be in any suitable location on the third arm. In onepreferred embodiment, the first position is at or adjacent one end ofthe third arm.

The second position on the second arm is spaced apart from the firstposition on the second arm. In one preferred embodiment, the secondposition on the second arm is at or adjacent the second end of thesecond arm.

In operation of the assembly, as noted above, the third arm has a pointthereon that follows the path of a straight line when the assembly ismoved between the retracted and extended positions. This point on thethird arm is spaced apart from the first position on the third arm, thatis the position on the third arm at which the second and third arms arepivotably connected together. The third arm may be a driven arm, that ismoved under the action of movement of the first and second arms. In thiscase, rotation of the first arm about the first fixed pivot causes thethird arm to move, such that the said point on the third arm follows thestraight line path between the retracted and extended positions.Alternatively, the third arm may be a driving arm, that is have a forceapplied thereto resulting in movement of the third arm, which in turndrives the other components of the assembly to result in movement of thefirst arm about the first fixed pivot. For example, application of astraight line force to the said point on the third arm between theretracted and extended positions results in rotational movement of thefirst arm about the first fixed pivot.

The distance between the first and second fixed pivots and the lengthsof the first, second and third arms may be selected according to thedesired movement of the components to be achieved and the particularapplication of the assembly.

However, generally, the ratio of the length of the first arm, that isthe distance between the first and second positions on the first arm, tothe distance between the first and second fixed pivots may range from0.5 to 2.0, more preferably from 0.6 to 1.75, still more preferably from0.75 to 1.5. The first arm is preferably no longer than, more preferablyshorter in length than the distance between the first and second fixedpivots. In this way, the first arm may be accommodated between the firstand second fixed pivots, when the assembly is in the retracted position.The ratio of the length of the first arm to the distance between thefirst and second fixed pivots is therefore more preferably from 0.75 to0.99, still more preferably from 0.8 to 0.99, in particular from 0.9 to0.99. A ratio of about 0.92 to about 0.98 is particularly suitable formany applications.

The ratio of the length of the second arm, that is the distance betweenthe first and second positions on the second arm, to the distancebetween the first and second fixed pivots may range from 0.5 to 2.0,more preferably from 0.6 to 1.75, still more preferably from 0.75 to1.5. The second arm is preferably shorter in length than the distancebetween the first and second fixed pivots. In this way, the second armmay be accommodated between the first and second fixed pivots, when theassembly is in the retracted position. The ratio of the length of thesecond arm to the distance between the first and second fixed pivots istherefore more preferably from 0.75 to 0.99, still more preferably from0.8 to 0.99, in particular from 0.9 to 0.99. A ratio of about 0.92 toabout 0.98 is particularly suitable for many applications.

The length of the second arm is preferably selected to be as long aspossible, within the constraints of the other components of the assemblyand the desired motion. In this way, the arc through which the secondposition on the second arm moves about the second fixed pivot has aslarge a radius as possible. This facilitates the positioning of thesecond connecting arm.

The second arm may be longer or shorter than the first arm. In onepreferred embodiment, the first and second arms are of the same length.

Taking the length of the third arm to be the distance between the firstposition on the third arm and the said point on the third arm, thelength of the third arm will be determined by the arrangement of thefirst and second arms, together with the connecting arms. The length ofthe third arm is preferably less than the distance between the first andsecond fixed pivots. In this way, the third arm may be accommodatedbetween the first and second fixed pivots, when the assembly is in theretracted position. In some embodiments, the length of the third arm isless than that of the first and second arms, in particular from 0.9 to0.99 of the length of the first and/or second arms. For example, withthe first and second arms being of equal length and less than thedistance between the first and second fixed pivots, the third arm has alength of about 0.975. In alternative embodiments, the length of thethird arm is the same as that of the first arm and/or the second arm. Inone particularly preferred arrangement, the first, second and third armsare the same length.

The assembly further comprises a first connecting arm. The firstconnecting arm extends between the first arm and the third arm. Thefirst connecting arm may have any shape and configuration. A preferredform for the first connecting arm is an elongate member, for example abar or a rod. The first connecting arm is pivotably mounted to each ofthe first and third arms. The pivotable connections between the firstconnecting arm and each of the first and third arms may be of anysuitable form, preferably a pin, spindle or axle passing through thearms about which one or both of the arms are free to move.

The pivotable connections may be at any suitable location on the firstconnecting arm. In one preferred embodiment, the pivotable connectionbetween the first connecting arm and the first arm is at or adjacent oneend of the first connecting arm and/or the pivotable connection betweenthe first connecting arm and the third arm is at or adjacent the secondend of the first connecting arm.

The first connecting arm is connected to the first arm at a secondposition on the first arm. The second position on the first arm isspaced apart from the first position on the first arm. In one preferredembodiment, the second position on the first arm is at or adjacent thesecond end of the first arm.

The first connecting arm is further connected to the third arm at asecond position on the third arm, which second position is spaced apartfrom the first position on the third arm.

The first connecting arm may have any suitable length. For example, thelength of the first connecting arm is the distance between the positionson the first and third arms between which the first connecting armextends. Alternatively, the first connecting arm may extend beyond theone or both of the first and third arms, for example beyond the thirdarm in the direction away from the line joining the first and secondfixed pivots.

The second position on the third arm, at which the first connecting armis connected, may be selected according to a number of factors. First,the first connecting arm acts to provide support for the third arm, inparticular to assist in supporting any load applied to the third arm.The requirement for the third arm to be supported in this manner by thefirst connecting arm is a factor in determining the location of thesecond position on the third arm. Second, the overall strength andstability of the assembly is related to the length of the firstconnecting arm, with the strength and stability reducing as the lengthof the first connecting arm increases.

The second position on the third arm may be at any suitable position. Inparticular, the ratio of the distance between the first position and thesecond position on the third arm and the distance between the firstposition and the said point on the third arm may be from 0.1 to 0.9,more preferably from 0.2 to 0.8, still more preferably from 0.3 to 0.7,in particular from 0.35 to 0.6. A preferred ratio is from 0.4 to 0.55.The ratio of the distance between the first position and the secondposition on the third arm and the distance between the first positionand the said point on the third arm is preferably less than 0.75, morepreferably less than 0.65, more preferably less than 0.55. A ratio of upto 0.5 has been found to be particularly suitable. One particularlypreferred embodiment of the assembly has the ratio of the distancebetween the first position and the second position on the third arm andthe distance between the first position and the said point on the thirdarm about 0.41 to about 0.47.

The assembly further comprises a second connecting arm. The secondconnecting arm extends between the first arm and the second arm. Thesecond connecting arm may have any shape and configuration. A preferredform for the second connecting arm is an elongate member, for example abar or a rod. The second connecting arm is pivotably mounted to each ofthe first and second arms. The pivotable connections between the secondconnecting arm and each of the first and second arms may be of anysuitable form, preferably a pin, spindle or axle passing through thearms about which one or both of the arms are free to move.

The pivotable connections may be at any suitable location on the secondconnecting arm. In one preferred embodiment, the pivotable connectionbetween the second connecting arm and the first arm is at or adjacentone end of the first connecting arm and/or the pivotable connectionbetween the second connecting arm and the second arm is at or adjacentthe second end of the second connecting arm.

The second connecting arm is connected to the first arm at a thirdposition on the first arm, which third position is spaced apart from andbetween both the first and second positions on the first arm.

The third position on the first arm, at which the second connecting armis connected, may be selected according to a number of factors. First,the second connecting arm acts to provide support for the first arm, inparticular to assist in supporting any load applied to the first arm.The requirement for the first arm to be supported in this manner by thesecond connecting arm is a factor in determining the location of thethird position on the first arm. Second, as with the first connectingarm, the overall strength and stability of the assembly is related tothe length of the second connecting arm, with the strength and stabilityreducing as the length of the second connecting arm increases.

The third position on the first arm may be at any suitable position. Inparticular, the ratio of the distance between the first position and thethird position on the first arm and the distance between the firstposition and the second position on the first arm may be from 0.1 to0.9, more preferably from 0.2 to 0.8, still more preferably from 0.3 to0.7, in particular from 0.4 to 0.6. A preferred ratio is from 0.4 to0.55. The ratio of the distance between the first position and the thirdposition on the first arm and the distance between the first positionand the second position on the first arm is preferably less than 0.75,more preferably less than 0.65, more preferably less than 0.55. A ratioof up to 0.5 has been found to be particularly suitable. Oneparticularly preferred embodiment of the assembly has the ratio of thedistance between the first position and the third position on the firstarm and the distance between the first position and the second positionon the first arm about 0.4 to 0.5.

The second connecting arm is further connected to the second arm at athird position on the second arm. In one embodiment of the assembly, thethird position is spaced apart from and between the first and secondpositions on the second arm. In an alternative embodiment, the thirdposition on the second arm coincides with the second position on thesecond arm, such that the second connecting arm is connected to both thesecond and third arms. This arrangement has the advantage of beingparticularly compact.

The third position on the second arm is at or spaced from the secondposition on the second arm and may be at any suitable position. Inparticular, the ratio of the distance between the first position and thethird position on the second arm and the distance between the firstposition and the second position on the second arm may be from 0.8 to1.0, more preferably from 0.85 to 1.0, still more preferably from 0.875to 1.0, in particular from 0.9 to 1.0. A preferred ratio is from 0.925to 1.0. One particularly preferred embodiment of the assembly has theratio of the distance between the first position and the third positionon the second arm and the distance between the first position and thesecond position on the second arm about 0.95 to 1.0.

The second connecting arm may have any suitable length. Its length ispreferably the distance between the positions on the first and secondarms between which the second connecting arm extends.

The assembly may comprise one or more additional connecting arms, inparticular extending between and pivotally connected to the arms of theassembly in analogous manner to the first and second connecting armsdescribed above. In one preferred embodiment, the assembly comprises athird connecting arm extending between and pivotally connected to thesecond arm and the third arm, more preferably disposed between the firstand second connecting arms.

The arms of the assembly of the present invention may consistessentially of the first, second and third arms and first and secondconnecting arms described hereinbefore. Alternatively, the assembly maycomprise one or more further arms connected to the aforementioned arms.Further arms may be added, for example, to provide additional support toone or more components being moved by the assembly and connectedthereto.

In one preferred embodiment, the assembly comprises a fourth armpivotably connected at a first position thereon to the first arm at afourth position on the first arm.

The fourth arm may have any shape and configuration. A preferred formfor the fourth arm is an elongate member, for example a bar or a rod.The fourth arm is pivotably mounted at a first position on the fourtharm to the first arm at a fourth position on the first arm. Thepivotable connection between the first and fourth arms may be of anysuitable form, preferably a pin, spindle or axle passing through thearms about which one or both of the arms are free to move.

The fourth arm is pivotably connected to the first arm at a firstposition on the fourth arm and a fourth position on the first arm. Thefirst position may be in any suitable location on the fourth arm. In onepreferred embodiment, the first position is at or adjacent one end ofthe fourth arm, in particular the end of the fourth arm that is proximalto the first and second fixed pivots.

The fourth position on the first arm is spaced apart from the firstposition on the first arm. In one preferred embodiment, the fourthposition on the first arm is at or adjacent the second end of the firstarm, that is the end distal of the first fixed pivot. In a particularlypreferred embodiment, the fourth position on the first arm coincideswith the second position on the first arm, that is the fourth arm isconnected to the first arm at the same position as the first connectingarm.

The fourth arm may be a driven arm, that is moved under the action ofmovement of the first and second arms. In this case, rotation of thefirst arm about the first fixed pivot causes the fourth arm to move.Alternatively, the fourth arm may be a driving arm, that is have a forceapplied thereto resulting in movement of the fourth arm, which in turndrives the other components of the assembly to result in movement of thefirst arm about the first fixed pivot and the second arm about thesecond fixed pivot.

The fourth arm may connected to an object to be moved relative to thefirst and second fixed pivots. The connection between the fourth arm andthe object is preferably in the region of, more preferably at, the endof the fourth arm that is distal of the first and second fixed pivots.It has been found that when the fourth arm is connected to the object tobe moved there is a position on the fourth arm that moves in asubstantially straight line, corresponding to the movement of the saidpoint on the third arm. The connection between the fourth arm and theobject is preferably in the region of, more preferably at, this positionon the fourth arm.

Taking the length of the fourth arm to be the distance between the firstposition on the fourth arm and the said point on the fourth arm, thelength of the fourth arm will be determined by the arrangement of thefirst and second arms, together with the connecting arms. The length ofthe fourth arm is preferably less than the distance between the firstand second fixed pivots. In this way, the fourth arm may be accommodatedbetween the first and second fixed pivots, when the assembly is in theretracted position. In some embodiments, the length of the fourth arm isless than that of the first and second arms, in particular from 0.9 to0.99 of the length of the first and/or second arms. For example, withthe first and second arms being of equal length and less than thedistance between the first and second fixed pivots, the third arm has alength of about 0.975 of the length of the first and second arms.

In alternative embodiments, the length of the fourth arm is the same asthat of the first arm and/or the second arm. Preferably, the length ofthe fourth arm is the same as the length of the third arm. In oneparticularly preferred arrangement, the first, second, third and fourtharms are the same length.

In one embodiment, both the third arm and the fourth arm are connectedto the same object to be moved, most preferably with both arms connectedto the object at the said point on each of the third and fourth arm.

In alternative embodiment, each of the third and fourth arms isconnected to a respective component or object to be moved. In this way,to components or objects may be moved independently of each other by thesame assembly.

As noted above, the assembly may comprise additional arms. Suchadditional arms may be rigidly connected to one of the aforementionedarms of the assembly or may be pivotally connected to an aforementionedarm. The additional arms may be provided to provide support for one ormore components or structures to be moved by the assembly. Alternativelyor in addition, the additional arms may be provided to extend thedistance a component or object may be moved and supported relative tothe first and second fixed pivots.

As noted above, the assembly of the present invention comprises alocking assembly comprising a first locking member and a second lockingmember. The first locking member is connected to one of the arms of theassembly, for example one of the first, second or third arms or one ofthe first or second connecting arms. The first locking member may beconnected to another arm of the assembly, in embodiments in which theassembly comprises arms additional to the first, second and third armsand the first and second connecting arms. The first locking memberengages with the second locking member at one or more positions from theretracted position to the extended position. The assembly may comprise asingle locking assembly, to lock one arm of the assembly in the desiredposition. Alternatively, the assembly may comprise a plurality oflocking assemblies. For example, the assembly may comprise two, three,four or more locking assemblies. The plurality of locking assemblies maybe arranged to lock a single arm of the assembly in the desiredposition. More preferably, a plurality of arms of the assembly arelocked in the desired position by the locking assemblies, with each armbeing locked by one or more locking assemblies.

In this respect, the term ‘locking’ as used herein is a reference to atleast one arm having a first locking member engaged by a second lockingmember of a locking assembly, such that movement of the arms, and hencethe assembly, beyond the required extended position in the direction ofextension of the assembly is prevented. The locking assembly may operateto allow the arms and, hence the assembly, to freely move from therequired extended position towards the retracted position.Alternatively, the locking assembly may act to lock the arms and theassembly in the required extended position without further movement ineither the extending or the retracting directions being possible.

The or each locking assembly may be arranged to lock the arms in anyextended position, as required by the duty being performed by theassembly. Preferably, the locking assembly is arranged to lock when theassembly is in the extended position in which the said point on thethird arm is at the end of its path of straight line movement, describedabove. However, the locking assembly may be arranged to lock theassembly in another extended position, as required.

Preferably, to allow the assembly to be moved from the required extendedposition into the retracted position, the locking assembly isreleasable. In this respect, the term ‘releasable’ is that the lockingassembly, when engaged, acts to prevent all movement of the assembly,but may be released to allow for the first and second locking members tobe disengaged from the locked position, to allow the assembly to movefrom the extended position towards the retracted position. The lockingassembly may be unlocked manually, that is require an operator torelease the first and second locking members from engagement with eachother. Alternatively, the locking assembly may be arranged such that thefirst and second locking members are engaged by movement of the assemblyfrom the retracted position to an extended position, so as to preventfurther movement beyond the required extended position, butautomatically release or freely allow movement in the reverse directiontowards the retracted position.

Any suitable locking assembly having first and second locking members ashereinbefore described may be employed. In embodiments in which theassembly comprises a plurality of locking assemblies, the lockingassemblies may all be of the same arrangement. Alternatively, theassembly may comprise two or more different arrangements of lockingassemblies.

The or each locking assembly may be arranged to lock any of the arms ofthe assembly.

In one embodiment, the locking assembly is arranged to lock one of thearms of the assembly to another of the arms of the assembly in therequired extended position. For example, the locking assembly may bearranged to lock adjacent arms of the assembly in the required extendedposition. Adjacent arms in the respect are two arms of the assembly thatare pivotably connected to one another. Alternatively, the lockingassembly may be arranged to couple together and lock two non-adjacentarms, that is two arms of the assembly that are not connected to oneanother by a pivoted connection.

Depending upon the embodiment, the assembly may have one or more pairsof arms that cross when in an extended position. As will be appreciated,once the assembly has been moved from the retracted position and is inan extended position, at least two of the arms cross to form at leastone pair of crossing arms. In this respect, one arm crosses another armwhen it extends on one or, depending upon the construction of the arms,on both sides of the other arm. It has been found to be particularlyadvantageous to lock together the arms of one or more of the pairs ofcrossing arms in the extended position.

The arms of a pair of crossing arms are preferably locked by the lockingassembly in the portions of the arms that cross one another.

In particular, the second arm crosses the first arm on one side thereofor, depending upon the construction of the arms, on both sides. In oneembodiment, a locking assembly is provided between the first and secondarms in the extended position. In one embodiment, a locking assembly isarranged to lock the first and second arms together, preferably in theregion of the position on the arms where they cross in an extendedposition. More particularly, the first locking member of the lockingassembly is connected to one of the first and second arms and the secondlocking member is connected to the other of the first and second arms.

In embodiments comprising a fourth arm, as described above, in anextended position, the fourth arm crosses the third arm on one sidethereof or, depending upon the construction of the arms, on both sides.In such embodiments, a locking assembly is preferably arranged to lockthe third and fourth arms together, preferably in the region of theposition on the arms where they cross in an extended position. Moreparticularly, the first locking member of the locking assembly isconnected to one of the third and fourth arms and the second lockingmember is connected to the other of the third and fourth arms.

As noted above, locking together the arms of a pair of crossing arms inthe extended position provides significantly increased strength andrigidity to the assembly. This in turn increases the load bearingcapacity of the assembly in the extended position.

In this embodiment, in general, the locking assembly acts to lock orcouple the two arms of a pair of crossing arms together, to preventfurther extension of the assembly, as described above. Preferably, thelocking assembly acts to lock or couple the arms of the crossing pair ator in the region of the position on the arms at which they cross in theextended position. In particular, the or each locking assembly comprisesthe first locking member connected to one arm of a pair of crossing armsand the second locking member connected to the other arm of the pair ofcrossing arms. Preferably, the first and/or the second locking membersare connected to their respective arms in the region of the position onthe arms at which they cross in the extended position.

The first and second locking members may be connected to theirrespective arms in any suitable arrangement, for example as required bythe form of the locking assembly. In one embodiment, the first and/orsecond locking members are provided directly on the respective arm.Alternatively, the first and/or second locking members are provided on aconnecting member extending from the respective arm.

In an alternative embodiment, the locking assembly is arranged with thefirst locking member connected to an arm of the assembly, as describedabove, and the second locking member is mounted on another component orstructure. Such a component or structure may be fixed relative to thearms of the assembly, such that it does not move therewith.

For example, in one embodiment, the second locking member is mounted onthe structure or component providing the first and second fixed pivots.The second locking member may be disposed in any position relative tothe first and second fixed pivots. In this embodiment, the secondlocking member is preferably disposed between the first and second fixedpivots, more preferably between the first and second fixed pivots andlying at or close to the line joining the first and second fixed pivots.This has been found to be a particularly effective and compactarrangement for the assembly.

Alternatively, or in addition thereto, the second locking member ismounted on a structure or component that is being moved by the assemblyrelative to the first and second fixed pivots. The second locking membermay be disposed on the component being moved at any suitable positionthat may be engaged by an arm of the assembly, such that it locks. Thisarrangement is particularly preferred in embodiments in which theassembly comprises a fourth arm, as described above, the third andfourth arms being connected to a component to be moved, in particular acomponent connected to the said positions on each of the third andfourth arms. The second locking member may be disposed in any positionrelative to the points connecting each of the third and fourth arms andthe component being moved. In this embodiment, the second locking memberis preferably disposed between the points connecting the third andfourth arms and the component, more preferably between the pointsconnecting the component with the third and fourth arms and lying on theline joining the said points. In particular, it is preferred that thesecond locking member is between the said positions on the third andfourth arms, more preferably lying at or close to the line joining thesaid positions on each of the third and fourth arms. This has been foundto be a particularly effective and compact arrangement for the assembly.

As noted above, the first locking member is mounted on or connected toan arm of the assembly. In embodiments in which the second lockingmember is provided on a structure or component other than an arm of theassembly, the arm bearing the first locking member may be extended andcomprise an extension portion to which the first locking member isconnected. In operation, the respective arm, including the extensionportion, moves and rotates, as described above, bringing the firstlocking member into engagement with the second locking member in therequired extended position, to thereby lock the assembly.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, at least one of the connectingarms is provided with an extension portion that bears a first lockingmember for engaging with a second locking member. In one embodiment,both the first and the second connecting arms comprise extensionportions, each extension portion being provided with a first lockingmember of a respective locking assembly.

In the case of the first connecting arm, the extension portion bearing afirst locking member preferably extends beyond the third arm in thedirection from the first arm to the third arm, that is away from thefirst and second fixed pivots.

In the case of the second connecting arm, the extension portion bearinga first locking member preferably extends beyond the first arm in thedirection from the second arm to the first arm, that is towards thefirst and second fixed pivots.

In an alternative embodiment, the locking assembly comprises a lockingarm, with the first locking member being provided on a locking arm. Thelocking arm is pivotably connected to an arm of the assembly. In onepreferred arrangement, the locking arm is pivotably connected to an armof the assembly at a first position on the locking arm, with the firstposition preferably being at or near one end of the locking arm. Thefirst locking member is preferably located on the locking arm at asecond position, spaced apart from the first position on the lockingarm, preferably at or near the second end of the locking arm.

More preferably, the locking assembly further comprises a support arm.The support arm is pivotably connected at a first position thereon tothe locking arm at a third position on the locking arm disposed betweenthe first and second positions thereon. The first position on thesupport arm is preferably at or near one end of the support arm. Thesupport arm is further pivotably connected at a second position thereon,with the second position preferably being at or near the second end ofthe support arm. The support arm may be pivotably connected at itssecond position to a fixed structure, more preferably the structureproviding the first and second fixed pivots. In one embodiment, thesupport arm is pivotably connected to one of the first and second fixedpivots. Alternatively, the support arm may be pivotably connected at itssecond position to a component being moved by the assembly, inparticular a component connected to the third arm and/or, if present,the fourth arm. In one preferred embodiment, the support arm ispivotably connected at its second position to the said point on thethird arm or, if present, the said point on the fourth arm.

In one preferred embodiment, the locking assembly comprises the lockingarm pivotably connected at the first position thereon to the first arm,the support arm being pivotably connected to the second fixed pivot.Alternatively, or in addition, the locking assembly comprises thelocking arm pivotably connected at the first position thereon to thethird arm, the support arm being pivotably connected to the said pointon the fourth arm of the assembly.

Examples of preferred locking assemblies will now be described.

The locking assembly comprises a first locking member and a secondlocking member that can be moved into engagement with one another. Whenthe first and second locking members are engaged, they act lock theassembly in the required extended position and prevent movement of theassembly further in the extending direction. As noted above, the lockingmembers when engaged may also prevent movement of the assembly in thereverse direction, that is towards the retracted position, therebypreventing any movement of the assembly. The locking assembly ispreferably releasable, that is the first and second locking membersengage in a releasable manner.

The first and second locking members may have any suitable form. In oneembodiment, one of the first and second locking members is arranged tobe received within the other of the first and second locking members.For example, one of the locking members may be a pin and the otherlocking member may comprise a receptacle for receiving the pin in theextended position. For example, the receptacle may be provided byforming the locking member with a C- U- or J-shaped portion forreceiving the pin. As will be appreciated, such a locking assembly isreleasable, in that it prevents movement of the assembly in theextending direction, when the pin is engaged in the receptacle, butallows the pin to leave the receptacle when the assembly is movedtowards to the retracted position. A lock for holding the pin in thereceptacle may be provided, if it is required to prevent movement of theassembly in the retracting direction.

Other forms of engageable locking members may also be employed. Forexample, one of the first or second locking members may be a moveablelatch, that engages with the other of the first or second lockingmembers.

As noted above, the first locking member is connected to an arm of theassembly and is moved by the arm into engagement with the second lockingmember in the required extended position. In this arrangement, thestrength and rigidity of the assembly in the required extended positionis increased, by virtue of the engagement of the engagement of the firstand second locking members.

In one preferred embodiment, the assembly further comprises a guideassembly. The guide assembly comprises a guide member and an engagementmember. The engagement member is mounted on or connected, preferablyrigidly connected, to an arm of the assembly. In operation, theengagement member moveable engages with the guide member and movesrelative to the guide member. When the engagement member engages withthe guide member, the guide member acts to support the engagement memberduring its movement. In this way, the assembly is supported by the guideassembly during part or all of its movement between the retracted andrequired extended positions. This in turn increased the load bearingcapacity, rigidity and strength of the assembly.

The engagement member is mounted on or connected to an arm of theassembly. The engagement member is preferably mounted on or connected toan arm of the assembly having a first locking member. In this way, thesaid arm is supported by the guide assembly during its movement into therequired retracted position, before being locked therein. In aparticularly preferred embodiment, the engagement member of the guideassembly is the first locking member.

The engagement member may have any suitable form to moveably engage withthe guide member. For example, the engagement member may comprise a pinfor slideably engaging with one or more surfaces of the guide member.

The guide member may be fixed relative to the arms of the assembly, suchthat it does not move therewith. For example, in one embodiment, theguide member is mounted on the structure or component providing thefirst and second fixed pivots. The guide member may be disposed in anyposition relative to the first and second fixed pivots. Alternatively,or in addition thereto, the guide member is mounted on a structure orcomponent that is being moved by the assembly relative to the first andsecond fixed pivots. In a further alternative embodiment, the guidemember is mounted on an arm of the assembly other than the arm bearingthe engagement member.

The guide member may have any suitable form to provide support for theengagement member, and hence the arm to which it is attached, duringmovement of the assembly into the required extended position. Inparticular, the guide member preferably one or more guide surfaces onwhich the engagement member bears and moves.

As noted above, the assembly may comprise a guide assembly to guide andsupport one or more arms of the assembly during movement from theretracted position into the required extended position. This has theadvantage of providing support to the assembly until it is locked intothe required extended position. However, it has been found that it isadvantageous to employ the assembly of WO 2013/182834 with a guideassembly as described above, with or without a locking assembly.

Accordingly, in a further aspect the present invention provides anassembly for converting motion, the assembly moveable between aretracted position and an extended position, the assembly comprising:

-   -   a first arm rotatable at a first position thereon about a first        fixed pivot;    -   a second arm rotatable at a first position thereon about a        second fixed pivot, the second fixed pivot spaced apart from the        first fixed pivot;    -   a third arm pivotably connected at a first position thereon to        the second arm at a second position on the second arm, the        second position spaced apart from the first position on the        second arm;    -   a first connecting arm extending between the first arm and the        third arm, the first connecting arm pivotably connected to a        second position on the first arm spaced apart from the first        position and pivotably connected to the third arm at a second        position thereon spaced apart from the first position thereon;        and    -   a second connecting arm extending between the first arm and the        second arm, the second connecting arm pivotably connected to a        third position on the first arm disposed between the first and        second positions thereon and pivotably connected to a third        position on the second arm;    -   the assembly further comprising a guide assembly comprising an        engagement member and a guide member, the engagement member        connected to one of the first, second or third arms or one of        the first or second connecting arms and moveable engaging with        the guide member during at least part of the movement of the        assembly from the retracted position to the extended position.

Relative movement of the components of the assembly may be limited orrestricted, for example to limit the movement of the third arm such thatthe motion of the said point is confined to a straight line between theretracted and extended positions. Suitable means for limiting therelative movement of components of the assembly include a flexible tieor tether extending between two of the arms and connecting arms. In oneembodiment, a flexible tie or tether extends between the first arm andthe third arm, in particular between a point on the first arm betweenthe first and third positions thereon and the first position on thethird arm. One preferred form for the flexible tie comprises a pluralityof hingedly connected arms, components or assemblies moveable between afolded condition when the assembly is in the retracted position and afully extended condition in the extended position. An analogousarrangement may be provided with the fourth arm, in embodimentscomprising a fourth arm as described above, to limit the movement of theassembly.

In one embodiment, the limiting of the movement of the assembly isprovided by one or more components being moved by the assembly betweenthe retracted position and the extended position. In other words, thecomponent being moved itself limits the further movement of the assemblywhen the component has reached its extended position and been fullydeployed.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the assembly of the presentinvention, the lengths of the arms are selected in accordance with theabove criteria and to fold up when in the retracted position to liebetween or substantially between the first and second fixed pivots. Itis a particular advantage that the assembly can be arranged to be insuch a compact form when in the retracted position. In a preferredembodiment, the arms are formed with portions having ‘I’ and ‘L’ shapesin cross-section, with the portions being arranged to allow the arms tobe accommodated within one another when in the retracted position.

Alternatively, or in addition, one or more arms may be formed as armassemblies, in which each arm assembly comprises a plurality of parallelarm members. The arm members may be spaced apart, with the space betweenadjacent arm members accommodating one or more other arms of theassembly in one or more positions from the retracted position to theextended position.

It is a further advantage of the assembly of present invention that itis highly scaleable and may be constructed and applied at a wide rangeof scales to convert motion, as described hereinbefore.

The assembly finds wide applications and uses, in particular by allowingrelative movement between a first component and a second component.

Accordingly, in a further aspect, the present invention provides anassembly comprising a first component and a second component, the firstcomponent being arranged for movement with respect to the secondcomponent, wherein an assembly as hereinbefore described is providedbetween the first component and second component, operation of theassembly providing movement of the first component with respect to thesecond component.

One of the first and second components is connected to the third arm ofthe assembly and/or the fourth arm, in embodiments having a fourth arm.The other of the first and second components provides the first andsecond fixed pivot points to which the first and second arms arepivotally connected. In this way, movement of the first component withrespect to the second component is effected. As noted above, suchrelative movement may be effected by applying a force to the first arm,the second arm and/or to the third arm of the assembly. The force may beapplied directly to one or more arms or indirectly, from one or moredrive assemblies.

The assembly comprising the first and second components finds extensiveuse in providing relative movement between two components. For example,the assembly finds use in moving a first component connected to eitherof the first or second arms and rotating about the respective first orsecond fixed pivot and a second component connected to the said point onthe third arm and moveable in a linear motion between the retracted andextended positions. Further, the assembly finds use in displacing androtating a first component connected to the third arm relative to thefirst or second fixed pivots or the line extending therebetween.

Embodiments of the assembly having a fourth arm, as described above,find particular use in moving one component relative to anothercomponent, in particular on a straight line path without rotating onecomponent relative to the other. One component provides the first andsecond fixed pivots, while the other component is connected to the thirdand fourth arms, in particular by pivoted connections. For example, twocomponents may be held in a fixed orientation with respect to oneanother and simply moved apart along a straight line.

In many applications, a plurality of assemblies is employed. Inparticular, a plurality of assemblies may be employed in a spaced apartrelationship on opposing sides of an object to be moved. For example, afirst and second assembly may be provided on opposing sides of an objectto be moved with the third arms, and fourth arms if present, of twoassemblies connected to opposing sides of the object.

Applications of the assembly of the present invention to convertrotational motion to linear motion include the support and movement ofbuilding structures relative to one another.

Accordingly, the present invention further provides a buildingcomprising:

-   -   a first building portion and a second building portion, the        first building portion being moveable relative to the second        building portion between a retracted position and an extended        position;    -   wherein relative movement between the first and the second        building portions and support of one of the first and second        building portions with respect to the other of the first and        second building portions are provided by an assembly as        hereinbefore described.

The first building portion may be any structure or part of a building,in particular a fixed structure, such as a house, apartment or officebuilding, or a mobile building structure, such as a mobile house,caravan or the like. The second building structure may be any structureor component of the installation that is required to be moved relativeto the first building portion between the retracted and extendedpositions. Examples of such structures include balconies, floorextensions, roof extensions, canopies and the like.

The principles and operation of the assembly of the present inventionwill be further explained by reference to the accompanying figures, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a simplified diagrammatical representation of an assemblyaccording to one embodiment of the present invention in an extendedposition;

FIG. 2 is a simplified diagrammatical representation of an assemblyaccording to a second embodiment of the present invention in an extendedposition;

FIGS. 3 a to 3 f are side views of an assembly according to a thirdembodiment of the present invention in a sequence of moves from aretracted position shown in FIG. 3 a to an extended position shown inFIG. 3 f;

FIGS. 4 a and 4 b are side views of an assembly according to a fourthembodiment of the present invention in a sequence of moves from apartially extended position shown in FIG. 4 a to an extended positionshown in FIG. 4 b;

FIG. 5 is a side view of an assembly according to a fifth embodiment ofthe present invention in a partially extended position;

FIG. 5 a is a detail of a central portion of the assembly of FIG. 5showing the locking assemblies;

FIGS. 6 a to 6 f are side views of an assembly according to a sixthembodiment of the present invention in a sequence of moves from aretracted position shown in FIG. 6 a to an extended position shown inFIG. 6 f ; and

FIG. 7 is a side view of an assembly according to a seventh embodimentof the present invention in an extended position.

Turning to FIG. 1 , there is shown a diagrammatical representation of anassembly of one embodiment of the present invention, generally indicatedas 2. The assembly 2 is shown mounted to a fixed structure 3 at a firstfixed pivot 4 and a second fixed pivot 6. The fixed pivots 4, 6 arespaced apart and are fixed in relation to one another.

A first arm 8 is pivotally connected at a first position at one end tothe first fixed pivot 4. A second arm 10 is pivotally connected at afirst position at one end to the second fixed pivot 6. A third arm 12 ismounted at a first position at one end by a pivot connection 14 at thesecond end of the second arm 10.

A first connecting arm 16 is mounted at one end by a pivot connection 18at a second position on the first arm at the second end of the first arm8. The second end of the first connecting arm is mounted by a pivotconnection 20 to the third arm at a second position on the third arm 12.

A second connecting arm 22 is mounted at one end by a pivot connection24 to the first arm at a third position on the first arm 8 spaced fromboth the first and second positions. The second end of the secondconnecting arm 22 is mounted by the pivot connection 14 to both thesecond arm 10 and the third arm 12.

The pivot connections may be formed by any suitable means, for exampleby pins extending through holes in the arms being pivotally joined.

Movement of the first arm 8 about the first fixed pivot 4 and the secondarm 10 about the second fixed pivot 6 causes the third arm 12 to movesuch that a point A on the third arm moves between a retracted positionX and an extended position Y. In moving between the positions X and Y,the point A describes a substantially straight line. Further movement ofthe first and second arms 8, 10 causes the point A to move beyond theextended position Y and follow an arc indicated by arrow Z.

The first arm 8 is provided with a first locking member in the form of apin 40 extending laterally from the arm. The second arm 10 is providedwith a second locking member in the form of a C-shaped receiving member42. The pin 40 and the receiving member 42 are located respectively onthe first and second arms 8, 10 where the arms cross in the extendedposition shown in FIG. 1 .

In use, with the assembly 2 moving from a retracted position to theextended position shown in FIG. 1 , that is in the direction X to Y, thefirst arm 8 and the second arm 10 pivot about the fixed pivots 4 and 6,respectively. As a result, the pin 40 and the receiving member 42 movethrough respective arcs. As the extended position shown in FIG. 1 isreached, the pin 40 engages with the receiving member 42, preventingfurther movement of the assembly in the direction of arrow Z, beyond theextended position shown. The engagement of the pin 40 and the receivingmember 42 couples the first and second arms 8, 10, such that theassembly is triangulated, thereby increasing the strength and rigidityof the assembly.

When the assembly 2 is moved from the extended position shown in FIG. 1to the retracted position, that is the assembly is urged towards thefixed pivots 4, 6 in the direction Y to X, the pin 40 disengages fromthe receiving member 42, allowing the arms of the assembly to move. Alock or latching mechanism may be provided to the coupling mechanism, inorder to prevent unwanted movement of the assembly out of the extendedposition shown.

Movement of the assembly in the extending direction, that is in thedirection X to Y, beyond the position shown in FIG. 1 is prevented bythe engagement of the pin 40 in the receiving member 42, thereby lockingthe assembly. With the coupling mechanism omitted, the assembly may bemoved beyond the extended position shown in FIG. 1 , with the point A onthe third arm 12 moving in the direction of the arrow Z.

Turning to FIG. 2 , there is shown a diagrammatical representation of anassembly of one embodiment of the present invention, generally indicatedas 102. The assembly 102 is shown in an extended position. The assembly102 is shown mounted to a fixed structure at a first fixed pivot 104 anda second fixed pivot 106. The fixed pivots 104, 106 are spaced apart andare fixed in relation to one another. The fixed pivots 104, 106 areshown in FIG. 2 rigidly attached to each other by a support member 108.However, any other rigid member or component may be used to connect thefixed pivots 104, 106.

A first arm 110 is pivotally connected at a first position at one end tothe first fixed pivot 104. A second arm 112 is pivotally connected at afirst position at one end to the second fixed pivot 106. A third arm 114is mounted at one end by a pivot connection 116 at the second end of thesecond arm 112. A fourth arm 118 is mounted at one end by a pivotconnection 120 at the second end of the first arm 110.

A first connecting arm 122 is mounted at one end by the pivot connection120 at the second end of the first arm 110. The second end of the firstconnecting arm 122 is mounted by a pivot connection 124 to the third armat a second position on the third arm 114.

A second connecting arm 126 is mounted at one end by a pivot connection128 to the first arm 110 at a third position on the first arm spaced.The second end of the second connecting arm 126 is mounted by the pivotconnection 116 to both the second arm 112 and the third arm 114.

A third connecting arm 130 is connected at one end by a pivot connection132 to the first arm at a fourth position on the first arm 110. Thesecond end of the third connecting arm 130 is attached by a pivotconnection 134 to the third arm at a third position on the third arm114. The pivot connection 132 is located on the first arm 110 betweenand equidistant from the pivot connections 120 and 128 on the first arm110. Similarly, the pivot connection 134 is located on the third arm 114between and equidistant from the pivot connections 116 and 124 on thethird arm.

The pivot connections may be formed by any suitable means, for exampleby pins extending through holes in the arms being pivotally joined.

In use, the third arm 114 and the fourth arm 118 are pivotably connectedto an object to be moved. In particular, the third arm 114 is connectedto the object by a pivot connection 140 in the distal end of the arm ata position A. Similarly, the fourth arm 118 is connected to the objectby a pivot connection 142 in the distal end of the arm at a position G.The third and fourth arms may be connected to any object or component tobe moved relative to the fixed pivots 104, 106. The component to bemoved is shown in FIG. 2 as a support member 144, by way of example.

Movement of the first arm 110 about the first fixed pivot 104 and thesecond arm 112 about the second fixed pivot 106 causes the third arm 114to move such that the point A on the third arm moves between a retractedposition and an extended position. In moving between the retractedposition and the extended position, the point A on the third arm 114describes a substantially straight line. Similarly, movement of thefirst arm 110 about the first fixed pivot 104 and the second arm 112about the second fixed pivot 106 causes the fourth arm 118 to move suchthat the point G on the fourth arm moves between a retracted positionand an extended position. In moving between the retracted position andthe extended position, the point G on the fourth arm 118 describes asubstantially straight line.

The support member 144 is moved in a substantially straight linerelative to the fixed pivots 104, 106. The support member 144 is heldparallel to the line joining the fixed pivots 104, 106 and the supportmember 108 throughout its motion, in the arrangement shown in FIG. 2 .

As can be seen in FIG. 2 , in the extended position shown, the first arm110 and second arms 112 cross one another. Similarly, the third arm 114and the fourth arm 118 cross one another. Each pair of crossing arms isprovided with a locking assembly 150, comprising a pin 152 and aJ-shaped receiving member 154, in a similar manner to that describedabove and shown in FIG. 1 . In the extended position shown in FIG. 2 ,the pin is engaged with the J-shaped receiving member. In this way, theassembly 102 is triangulated when in the extended position shown.

While it is preferred that both pairs of crossing arms are provided witha coupling mechanism 150, as shown, a single locking assembly providedfor the first and second arms 110, 112 or the third and fourth arms 114,118 is sufficient to lock the assembly in the extended position.

Turning to FIGS. 3 a to 3 f , there is shown an assembly according to afurther embodiment of the present invention in a sequence of moves froma retracted position in FIG. 3 a to an extended position in FIG. 3 f.

The assembly, generally indicated as 202, is shown mounted to a fixedstructure at a first fixed pivot 204 and a second fixed pivot 206. Thefixed pivots 204, 206 are spaced apart and are fixed in relation to oneanother. The fixed pivots 204, 206 are shown in FIGS. 3 a to 3 f rigidlyattached to each other by a support member 208. However, any other rigidmember, fixed structure or component may be used to connect the fixedpivots 204, 206 or have them mounted thereon.

A first arm 210 is pivotally connected at a first position at one end tothe first fixed pivot 204. A second arm 212 is pivotally connected at afirst position at one end to the second fixed pivot 206. A third arm 214is mounted at one end by a pivot connection 216 at the second end of thesecond arm 212. A fourth arm 218 is mounted at one end by a pivotconnection 220 at the second end of the first arm 210.

A first connecting arm 222 is mounted at one end by the pivot connection220 at the second end of the first arm 210. The second end of the firstconnecting arm 222 is mounted by a pivot connection 224 to the third armat a second position on the third arm 214.

A second connecting arm 226 is mounted at one end by a pivot connection228 to the first arm 210 at a third position on the first arm spaced.The second end of the second connecting arm 226 is mounted by the pivotconnection 216 to both the second arm 212 and the third arm 214.

The assembly 202 of FIGS. 3 a to 3 f may comprise a third connecting armin analogous manner to that shown in FIG. 2 .

The pivot connections may be formed by any suitable means, for exampleby pins extending through holes in the arms being pivotally joined.

In use, the third arm 214 and the fourth arm 218 are pivotably connectedto an object to be moved. In particular, the third arm 214 is connectedto the object by a pivot connection 240 in the distal end of the arm ata position A. Similarly, the fourth arm 218 is connected to the objectby a pivot connection 242 in the distal end of the arm at a position G.The third and fourth arms may be connected to any object or component tobe moved relative to the fixed pivots 204, 206. The component to bemoved is shown in FIGS. 3 a to 3 f as a support member 244, by way ofexample.

Movement of the first arm 210 about the first fixed pivot 204 and thesecond arm 212 about the second fixed pivot 206 causes the third arm 214to move such that the point A on the third arm moves between a retractedposition shown in FIG. 3 a and an extended position, shown in FIG. 3 f .In moving between the retracted position and the extended position, thepoint A on the third arm 214 describes a substantially straight line.Similarly, movement of the first arm 210 about the first fixed pivot 204and the second arm 212 about the second fixed pivot 206 causes thefourth arm 218 to move such that the point G on the fourth arm movesbetween a retracted position and an extended position. In moving betweenthe retracted position and the extended position, the point G on thefourth arm 218 describes a substantially straight line.

The support member 244 is moved in a substantially straight linerelative to the fixed pivots 204, 206, as indicated by the arrows R inthe figures. The support member 244 is held parallel to the line joiningthe fixed pivots 204, 206 and the support member 208 throughout itsmotion.

The assembly 202 of FIGS. 3 a to 3 f is provided with a plurality oflocking assemblies, as follows:

The second connecting arm 226 is provided with an extended arm portion226 a, extending beyond the first arm 210 in the direction of the member208. The extended arm portion 226 a is provided with a first lockingmember 250 on its free end.

A second locking member 252 is provided on the support member 208. Inoperation, the first locking member 250 is caused to move upwards fromthe retracted position of FIG. 3 a in a curved path, indicated by thearrow Si, to engage with the second locking member 252, when theassembly is in the extended position shown in FIG. 3 f.

Similarly, the first connecting arm 222 is provided with an extended armportion 222 a, extending beyond the third arm 214 in the direction ofthe moveable support member 244. The extended arm portion 222 a isprovided with a first locking member 250 a on its free end.

A second locking member 252 a is provided on the support member 244. Inoperation, the first locking member 250 a is caused to move downwardsfrom the retracted position of FIG. 3 a in a curved path, indicated bythe arrow S2, to engage with the second locking member 252 a, when theassembly is in the extended position shown in FIG. 3 f.

Engagement of the first locking members 250, 250 a with the respectivesecond locking members 252, 252 a locks the assembly in the extendedposition shown in FIG. 3 f.

Turning to FIGS. 4 a and 4 b , there is shown an assembly having thesame general configuration as the assembly of FIGS. 3 a to 3 f .Accordingly, the components of the assembly of FIGS. 4 a and 4 b areindicated using the same reference numerals as in FIGS. 3 a to 3 f anddescribed above. Operation of the assembly of FIGS. 4 a and 4 b isdirectly analogous to that shown in FIGS. 3 a to 3 f and describedabove.

The assembly of FIGS. 4 a and 4 b comprises guide members for eachlocking assembly, as follows:

An arcuate guide member 280 is provided on the support member 208. A pin282 is provided at the free end of the extended arm portion 226 a of thesecond connecting arm 226 and engages with the guide member 280. In thisway, the extended arm portion 226 a is supported and guided by the guidemember as the first locking member 250 moves into and out of engagementwith the second locking member 252, during movement of the assemblybetween its retracted position and its extended position shown in FIG. 4b.

Similarly, an arcuate guide member 280 a is provided on the supportmember 244. A pin 282 a is provided at the free end of the extended armportion 222 a of the first connecting arm 222 and engages with the guidemember 280 a. In this way, the extended arm portion 222 a is supportedand guided by the guide member as the first locking member 250 a movesinto and out of engagement with the second locking member 252 a, duringmovement of the assembly between its retracted position and its extendedposition shown in FIG. 4 b.

The principle of providing guide members to guide and support the firstlocking members may also be applied to the embodiment of FIG. 1 , inwhich the locking members are disposed directly on the arms of theassembly. An example of such an arrangement is shown in FIG. 5 .

Turning to FIG. 5 , an assembly analogous to the assembly of FIG. 2 ,without a third connecting arm, is shown. The components of the assemblyof FIG. 5 are indicated by the same reference numerals as used in FIG. 2and as discussed above.

As with the embodiment of FIG. 5 , a first pair of crossing arms, formedby the first and second arms 110, 112, and a second pair of crossingarms, formed by the third and fourth arms 114, 118, are both providedwith locking assemblies having first and second locking members mountedon respective arms of each pair, as in FIG. 2 .

As shown in FIG. 5 , the second arm 112 is provided with an arcuateguide member 156. The guide member 156 is engaged by the first lockingmember on the first arm and acts to guide and support the first lockingmember, and hence the first arm 110 during the movement of the firstlocking member into and out of engagement with the second locking memberdisposed in the second arm 112. Similarly, the fourth arm 118 isprovided with an arcuate guide member 150 a. The guide member 150 a isengaged by the first locking member 152 on the third arm and acts toguide and support the first locking member, and hence the third arm 114during the movement of the first locking member into and out ofengagement with the second locking member disposed in the fourth arm118. This arrangement is shown in detail in FIG. 5 a . The arrows inFIG. 5 a show the direction of movement of the components of theassembly when moving in the extending direction to the extended positionin which the locking assemblies are engaged and locked.

Turning to FIGS. 6 a to 6 f , there is shown an assembly having the samegeneral configuration as the assembly of FIGS. 3 a to 3 f . Accordingly,the components of the assembly of FIGS. 6 a to 6 f are indicated usingthe same reference numerals as in FIGS. 3 a to 3 f and described above.Operation of the assembly of FIGS. 6 a to 6 f is directly analogous tothat shown in FIGS. 3 a to 3 f and described above.

In the assembly of FIGS. 6 a to 6 f , the first locking members 250, 250a are in the form of slots formed in the end of the respective extendedarm portions 222 a, 226 a and the second locking members 252, 252 a arein the form of pins extending from the respective support members 208,244. In the locking position, the slots in the end portions of the armsengage with the pins.

The assembly of FIGS. 6 a to 6 f comprises additional lockingassemblies, as follows:

A locking arm 290 is pivotably mounted at one end by the pivotconnection 220 at the second end of the first arm 210. The other end ofthe locking arm 290 is provided with a first locking member in the formof a slot 292 formed in the arm. A support arm 294 is pivotablyconnected at one end to the second fixed pivot 206. The second end ofthe support arm 294 is pivotably connected to the locking arm 290 at apivot connection 296 disposed between the pivot connection 220 and thelocking member 292.

In operation, the first locking member 292 on the locking arm 290 iscaused to move downwards from the retracted position of FIG. 5 a in acurved path, indicated by the arrow T1, to engage with a further secondlocking member 252, in the form of a pin on the support member 208, whenthe assembly is in the extended position shown in FIG. 6 f.

Similarly, a locking arm 290 a is pivotably mounted at one end by thepivot connection 216 at the second end of the second arm 212. The otherend of the locking arm 290 a is provided with a first locking member inthe form of a slot 292 a formed in the arm. A support arm 294 a ispivotably connected at one end to the pivot 242 on the moveable supportmember 244. The second end of the support arm 294 a is pivotablyconnected to the locking arm 290 a at a pivot connection 296 a disposedbetween the pivot connection 216 and the locking member 292 a.

In operation, the first locking member 292 a on the locking arm 290 a iscaused to move upwards from the retracted position of FIG. 6 a in acurved path, indicated by the arrow T2, to engage with a further secondlocking member 252 a, in the form of a pin on the support member 244,when the assembly is in the extended position shown in FIG. 6 f.

The assembly of FIGS. 6 a to 6 f is shown comprising both the extendedarm portions 226 a, 222 a and the locking arms 290, 290 a, to providemultiple locks for the assembly in the extended position. It is to beunderstood that locking the assembly may be achieved using just onelocking assembly. For example, the extended arm portions 226 a, 222 aand their respective locking members may be omitted.

The assemblies shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 may be used singularly, as shown inthe figures. Alternatively, the assemblies may be combined and connectedtogether, whereby a first assembly supports and moves a second assembly,which may in turn support and move a third assembly. In particular, themoveable support member 144, 244 of one assembly may form the fixedmember 3, 108, 208 of a connected assembly.

The assemblies shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 may consist of the components shownin the figures and described above. Alternatively, one or more of thearms may be extended and/or additional arms may be provided, to supportand move one or more components, as required. This principle isexemplified in FIG. 7 .

Turning to FIG. 7 , there is shown a further embodiment of an assemblyaccording to the present invention. The assembly, generally indicated as302, is shown mounted to a fixed structure 303 at a first fixed pivot304 and a second fixed pivot 306. The fixed pivots 304, 306 are spacedapart and are fixed in relation to one another.

A first arm 308 is pivotally connected at a first position at one end tothe first fixed pivot 304. A second arm 310 is pivotally connected at afirst position at one end to the second fixed pivot 306. A third arm 312is mounted at a first position at one end by a pivot connection 314 atthe second end of the second arm 310.

A first connecting arm 316 is mounted at one end by a pivot connection318 at a second position on the first arm at the second end of the firstarm 308. The second end of the first connecting arm is mounted by apivot connection 320 to the third arm at a second position on the thirdarm 312.

A second connecting arm 322 is mounted at one end by a pivot connection324 to the first arm at a third position on the first arm 308 spacedfrom both the first and second positions. The second end of the secondconnecting arm 322 is mounted by the pivot connection 314 to both thesecond arm 310 and the third arm 312.

A third connecting arm 330 is connected at one end by a pivot connection332 to the first arm at a fourth position on the first arm 308. Thesecond end of the third connecting arm 330 is attached by a pivotconnection 334 to the third arm 312 at a third position on the thirdarm. The pivot connection 332 is located on the first arm 308 betweenand equidistant from the pivot connections 318 and 324 on the first arm308. Similarly, the pivot connection 334 is located on the third arm 312between and equidistant from the pivot connections 314 and 320 on thethird arm.

The pivot connections may be formed by any suitable means, for exampleby pins extending through holes in the arms being pivotally joined.

The first connecting arm 316 comprises an extended portion 316 a,extending beyond the third arm 312 away from the fixed structure 303. Asupport arm 340 is pivotably connected at one end to the free end of theextended portion 316 a.

The second connecting arm 322 is provided with an extended arm portion322 a, extending beyond the first arm 208 in the direction of thestructure 303. The extended arm portion 322 a is provided with a firstlocking member 342 on its free end.

A second locking member 344 is provided on the structure 303. Inoperation, the first locking member 342 is caused to move upwards fromits retracted position in a curved path, in a manner analogous to thatshown in FIGS. 3 a to 3 f , to engage with the second locking member344, when the assembly is in the extended position shown in FIG. 7 .

A structure 350 to be moved by the assembly 302 is shown in FIG. 7pivotably connected to the second fixed pivot 306, the point A on thethird arm 312 and the second end of the support arm 340. The structure350 comprises hingedly attached components 350 a, 350 b and 350 c, whichextend horizontally in the extended position shown in FIG. 7 .

The structure 350 may be any structure that requires deploying from afixed structure, for example a walkway, a deck or a bridge.

1. An assembly for converting motion, the assembly moveable between aretracted position and an extended position, the assembly comprising: afirst arm rotatable at a first position thereon about a first fixedpivot; a second arm rotatable at a first position thereon about a secondfixed pivot, the second fixed pivot spaced apart from the first fixedpivot; a third arm pivotably connected at a first position thereon tothe second arm at a second position on the second arm, the secondposition spaced apart from the first position on the second arm; a firstconnecting arm extending between the first arm and the third arm, thefirst connecting arm pivotably connected to a second position on thefirst arm spaced apart from the first position and pivotably connectedto the third arm at a second position thereon spaced apart from thefirst position thereon; and a second connecting arm extending betweenthe first arm and the second arm, the second connecting arm pivotablyconnected to a third position on the first arm disposed between thefirst and second positions thereon and pivotably connected to a thirdposition on the second arm; the assembly further comprising a lockingassembly comprising a first locking member and a second locking member,the first locking member connected to one of the first, second or thirdarms or one of the first or second connecting arms and engaging with thesecond locking member at one or more positions from the retractedposition to the extended position; wherein the second locking member ismounted on a structure other than the assembly.
 2. The assemblyaccording to claim 1, wherein the length of the first arm and/or thesecond arm is no greater than the distance between the first and secondfixed pivots.
 3. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the lengthsof the first, second and third arms are substantially the same.
 4. Theassembly according to claim 1, wherein the third position on the secondarm coincides with the second position on the second arm, such that thesecond connecting arm is connected to both the second and third arms. 5.The assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a fourth armpivotably connected at a first position thereon to the first arm at afifth position on the first arm.
 6. The assembly according to claim 5,wherein the length of the fourth arm is the same as the length of thethird arm.
 7. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein an arm of theassembly comprises an extension portion, the first locking member beingconnected to the extension portion.
 8. The assembly according to claim1, wherein the second locking member is fixed relative to the arms ofthe assembly.
 9. The assembly according to claim 8, wherein in thesecond locking member is mounted on the same structure as the first andsecond fixed pivots.
 10. The assembly according to claim 9, wherein thesecond locking member is disposed between the first and second fixedpivots.
 11. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the secondlocking member is mounted on a structure being moved by the assemblyrelative to the first and second fixed pivots.
 12. The assemblyaccording to claim 1, further comprising a locking arm, wherein thelocking arm is pivotably connected to an arm of the assembly.
 13. Theassembly according to claim 12, further comprising a support arm, thesupport arm being pivotably connected to the locking arm.
 14. Theassembly according to claim 1, further comprising a guide assembly, theguide assembly comprising a guide member and an engagement membermoveably engageable with the guide member, wherein the engagement memberis connected to an arm of the assembly.
 15. The assembly according toclaim 14, wherein the engagement member comprises the first lockingmember.
 16. The assembly according to claim 14, wherein the guide memberis fixed relative to the arms of the assembly.
 17. The assemblyaccording to claim 14, wherein the guide member is mounted on thestructure providing the first and second fixed pivots.
 18. The assemblyaccording to claim 14, wherein the guide member is mounted on thestructure being moved by the assembly.